UPDATE: Former Liberal frontbencher Andrew Hastie has ignited controversy with a cryptic email to supporters, referencing “enemies” and their “unmasked guns.” This provocative statement comes just days after Hastie stepped back from his prominent role amid a policy rift with party leader Sussan Ley.
Sent on October 20, 2023, at the conclusion of the first Parliamentary week since his resignation, Hastie’s email described the week as “a big one.” He stated, “Many people have had their say about my resignation from the frontbench,” before ominously noting, “I’ve watched closely, as our enemies have unmasked their guns.” His choice of words has left many questioning the intent behind his message.
Julian Leeser, a fellow Liberal frontbencher, attempted to clarify Hastie’s remarks during an interview with Sky News, suggesting that the reference to enemies could pertain to “the Labor party, or about ISIS, or about, you know, the enemies of western civilization.” This statement further fuels speculation about internal party tensions and the broader political landscape.
Hastie, a former SAS soldier, has been vocal on social media recently, particularly regarding immigration policies. In a post last month, he claimed that high immigration levels were making Australians feel like “strangers” in their own homes. This comment drew criticism from Melissa McIntosh, another Liberal frontbencher, who emphasized that she feels at home in her community of Western Sydney, which she believes thrives on diversity.
“Western Sydney is the best place in the country, and it is built on all sorts of people coming here to make a better life for their family,” McIntosh stated on the ABC’s Insiders program.
McIntosh also highlighted the need for change within the Liberal Party to attract more female candidates and improve its appeal among women across Australia, acknowledging that significant transformation takes time. “I wish I could say to you, since the election, that it’s all hunky dory, everything’s amazing in the Liberal party,” she said. “That wouldn’t be telling the truth.”
As the Liberal Party grapples with its direction following a disappointing election in May, the implications of Hastie’s email could resonate beyond internal discussions. Observers are watching closely to see how this controversy unfolds and what it means for the party’s future.
This developing story continues to attract attention as political analysts and party members weigh in on the potential ramifications of Hastie’s comments. The Liberal Party’s ability to navigate these challenges may be critical as they prepare for future elections.
